"What Really Gets Under Your Skin?": 30 Responses From Our Community

Bored Panda reached out to Leonardo M. Jones, an expert on emotional intelligence and the psychology of emotions, for insights on the misunderstood emotion of anger. Here's what he shared:

"Society often labels anger as a destructive emotion due to its potential outcomes—things like hostility, violence, and aggression. This perspective might come from various sources, such as cultural, religious, or societal norms. Yet, several researchers and psychologists argue that anger can be quite constructive."

"Anger is a tool, really. When harnessed correctly, it offers vital insights that allow us to interact effectively with our environment. It's like a feedback system—alerting us to internal and external cues and guiding our reactions to them."

"At its core, anger serves as a shield. It equips us to fend off perceived threats. Those who recognize and express their anger judiciously often navigate their paths more effectively. Think of anger as a push towards our aspirations. Surprisingly, anger can cultivate hope. Recognizing what fuels our anger can spotlight areas of personal growth." He told Bored Panda.

"Highly emotionally intelligent individuals harness anger's wisdom. Before diving into deeper emotional wounds, anger acts as a buffer. It's a surface emotion that hints at concealed facets of our persona. To genuinely liberate ourselves from its potential negative grip, it's pivotal to uncover and address its root causes."

"When approached with awareness and intent, anger can be transformative." Leonardo highlighted. "Beyond its guarding nature, it stirs proactive endeavors, catalyzes change, and promotes self-enhancement. It's all about harnessing it right."